Principles of Biochemistry

8.1.2.2 Coenzymes

Some enzymes need a complex organic molecule called a coenzyme. Coenzymes function as transient carriers of specific functional groups. 

Coenzymes Serving as Transient Carriers of specific atoms or  Functional Groups 

Type of Coenzyme	Items transferred
Thiamine pyrophosphate	Aldehydes
Flavin adenine dinucleotide	Hydrogen atoms
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide	Hydride ion (H - )
Coenzyme A	Acyl groups
Pyridoxal phosphate	Amino groups
5’- Deoxyadenosylcobalamine	H atoms and alkyl groups
Biocytin	CO2
Tetrahydrofolate	Other one - carbon groups